Abstract:

Western studies have shown that the socioeconomic status (SES) of patients can influence others' cognitive empathy towards their pain, yet research within the context of Chinese society is lacking, as is exploration of its internal mechanisms. This study, based on the stereotype content model, posits the mediating role of perceived competence. Two experiments were conducted, with one involving laypeople and the other with medical professionals. In Study 1, it was found that as the SES of patients decreased, laypeople’s cognitive empathy also decreased, with perceived competence acting as a mediating factor. In contrast, Study 2 demonstrated that the SES of patients did not influence the cognitive empathy of medical professionals, differing from both Study 1 and Western research findings. This indicates a unique aspect of cognitive empathy among the group of Chinese medical professionals, which may be attributed to the quality training and professional requirements of medical disciplines, as well as the real-world differences between Eastern and Western societies.

Key words: socioeconomic status, cognitive empathy, pain, stereotype content model, competence